Who owns the wildlife in the United States Hunters Ed?

Who has ownership rights to wildlife in the United States?

Is wildlife considered public property or owned by specific individuals or organizations?

Ownership Rights to Wildlife in the United States

Wildlife in the United States is considered public property and owned collectively by the citizens of the country.

Wildlife in the United States is a valuable natural resource that is protected and managed by state wildlife agencies for the benefit of all citizens. Unlike in some countries where wildlife ownership rights may be held by specific individuals or organizations, the public trust doctrine in the U.S. establishes that wildlife resources are held in trust by the government on behalf of the people.

This means that state governments, rather than individual citizens, hunters, or corporate entities, have ownership rights to wildlife. The management, conservation, and regulation of wildlife populations, as well as the establishment of hunting and fishing laws, are all responsibilities of state wildlife agencies.

The public trust doctrine ensures that wildlife resources are managed for the benefit and enjoyment of the public as a whole. Conservation and sustainability principles guide wildlife management practices to ensure the preservation of these natural resources for future generations.